May 18, 2011

Gator Bowl

The Wiz of Odds is conducting a comprehensive study of bowl game expense reports. All of the data collected — expense reports for 56 teams and bowl surveys for 40 teams — are being posted on the site. Here is the latest installment. For an overview of the project, click here.

The Gator Bowl, played in Jacksonville, Fla., is operated by the nonprofit Gator Bowl Association. The first game was played in 1946.

2011 participants: Michigan and Mississippi State.

Michigan expenses: There wasn't much enthusiasm for what turned out to be Rich Rodriguez's last game as Wolverine coach. The school reported 7,265 in absorbed tickets at a cost of $510,145. Download Michigan Expenses

Survey: Athletic director David Brandon gave a "neutral" rating to the number of tickets his school had to buy and the cost of tickets. Download Michigan Survey

Under areas of improvement, he wrote: "If possible, creating more opportunities downtown for the players. I recognize that is a city issue."

Mississippi State expenses: The school reportedly absorbed 3,766 tickets at a cost of $236,540. Other expenses of $46,813 included parking at hotel. Download Mississippi State Expenses

Survey: Athletic director Scott Stricklin gave the bowl high marks across the board. His only mild critiques were the proximity of the practice field and stadium to the hotel and cost of rooms. He gave both categories a "satisfied" rating. Download Mississippi State Survey